Monday, July 8, 2013

4th Floor Shut Down Due to Suspicious Envelope

After someone in Gov. Susana Martinez’s office opened what was described as a “suspicious envelope,” state police on Monday closed the fourth floor of the state Capitol.

The Santa Fe Hazardous Material Team was called to investigate the situation, John Yeager of the Legislative Council Service said.

Yeager said “something fell out” of the envelope after it was opened, but added that he didn’t know if the substance was a powder.

He said he didn’t know whether the governor was in the office when the envelope was opened.

UPDATE 4:50 pm I just got this statement from the governor's spokesman:

Our front office staff was processing and sorting incoming mail this afternoon. Shortly after 3pm, a white powdery substance came out of one of the envelopes. Staff immediately isolated themselves, then called the
Department of Public Safety and State Homeland Security Department for directions on how to respond.

Santa Fe Fire Department Hazmat is on the scene.

A second suspicious piece of mail has also been identified. This case has been adopted by the FBI, and any further inquiries should be directed to them, or the NM Department of Public Safety.

UPDATE: 5:59 pm Assistant Santa Fe Fire Chief Jan Snyder just told reporters that tests determined that the powder wasn't toxic. The envelopes have been sent tot the FBI for further eavaluation.